Hi guys, I’ve been wanting a Harley for the past couple years. I’ll be leaving for Afghanistan next month and I Plan on getting it as soon as I get home since I’ll have the money for one. I’ve been thinking about getting a new 2020 Street glide special or a 2019 street glide special. I’ve never really ridden before besides a couple crotch rockets my buddies have. But never owned my own bike. I’m 6’0, 170 in pretty good shape. What are your guy’s thoughts on Street glides as very first bikes?

 

Pretty heavy scooter for a first bike. I'd go with something a little more light weight until you've got a little more experience in your front pocket!

 

You are a dumbass in words of red foreman. Regardless off learning to ride on touring bike, it is stupid to learn to ride on $$$$ bike.

but people want instant gratification

 

Why not pick up a cheap beater bike like say a used Yamaha V Star and knock around for awhile on that. You'll probably drop it a time or two but you won't feel so bad when you do . Once your abilities and confidence levels are up then get the street glide. In the process I highly recommend the MSF course, it can be a life saver.

 

...getting a touring bike for your first bike I believe would be a big mistake. Re-read the above post!!!

 

Do what you want, if you have the confidence to ride it than feel free, you’ll get use to it in a week. How old are you by the way.

 

I would suggest getting something smaller and cheaper used machine as a first bike. Something that you wont be too sad about if it hits the ground. Use it and abuse it for a year, get the dings in it and then move to what you want. A lot of smaller "starter" bikes hold value pretty good if you buy it right. You could probably sell it for close to what you bought for.

 

Get what you want the first time. It will save you money when you don't have to trade up. I am sure you will be fine.

 

Greetings,

First - wishing you a safe deployment to Afghanistan. Second, my first bike was a XL125. Then a XL250, then a XL500, then a SR650, then a GPZ550, then a XL600, and finally a Ninja 600. I rented Harley's for a couple of years before squeezing the trigger. My first Harley is a '19 SGS. It's a fun bike to ride, but heavy.

If you are confident in your riding skills - great - go for it. If not, wear leathers, a good helmet and go for it. Oh, get some good insurance. The choice is entirely up to you.

Semper Fi

 

probl'y should remain silent , cause I'm not a million mile biker....
BUTT..it's Sunday morning and I feel like yaking ....

I think it depends on your natural abilities.
some just take to it more natural than others.
Just like when we were kids learning to ride a bicycle..some were able to "get it" like a duck to water and riding wheelies a block long by summer's end
Others needed their training wheels on all summer .
Most were somewhere in between

It's the same, only different


whether you're one of the more naturals or not , none of us can say.
So the prudent guidance is always "start smaller/lighter"


..L.T.A.